The "Rock" of Gibraltar

 While in Sevilla we took a trip to the Rock of Gibraltar that is at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea.  Gibraltar is an English territory but is on the peninsula of Spain. Because of its location its been fought over for centuries because in time of war it can control the entry into the Mediterranean Sea.  To get there we had to park on the Spanish side and walk across the international runway that divides Spain from Gibraltar.  The rock has manmade caves that the military used during it's many battles and it has natural caverns.

Tanger Morocco (Northern Africa)

 From southern Spain we took an one hour ferry ride to Tangier Morocco.  Actually the buildings in the "old city" looked the same as southern Spain.  That's because both Spain and Morocco kept the same Moorish style from when the Moros were pushed out of Europe around 1492.  We had a Morocco meal,  rode camels and saw where the Atlantic waters met the Mediterranean waters.

Albufeira, Portugal

 Pam and I went to Albufeira in southern Portugal for a few days.  Albufeira is on the coast and the temperature was 36C or 97F, however the water temp was cold!  We had a balcony room overlooking the ocean within walking distance of everything.  We took a water tour on a speed boat along the coast and inside some caves.

Seville, Spain after the Camino and the start of Europe

 After walking the Camino we flew to Seville Spain where we start our European adventure, with Seville as our base.  We plan to visit Portugal, Morocco and over southern Spanish cities.  Because we are in Seville for 21 days we have an AIRBNB one bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and a washing machine.  I didn't realize so many movies were filmed in Seville.  Some of them were: Star Wars "Attack of the clones", Mission Impossible II, Knight and Day, Games of Thrones.   We took a riverboat cruise through on the river were all the explorers left from between 1440 and 1700.  We are trying to visit all the sites including were two great explorers - Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan set sail from. 

Camino days 32 to 35 Palas de REI to Santiago 64k of walking

 We made it! From Pamplona to Santiago in 35 days, 713k or 443 miles.  We slowed down for the last four days to enjoy the experience and sites.  This was a once in a lifetime adventure and we are both very proud that we can check it off the bucket list.  Now on to our next adventure.

Camino days 24 to 32 Villafranca del Bierzo to Palas de REI 114k of walking

 There’s only 64k remaining on the Camino, we have completed 94%.  Its more crowed at this point because some pilgrims only walk the last 100k, so they have joined us.  About four days ago it was raining and Pam slipped and fell on her back with her backpack on. She looked like a turtle on its back! When I stopped laughing I was able to unstrap the turtle and help her up.  Her right knee had a scrap on it and in a few days she recovered.

Camino days 19 to 23, Leon to Villafranca del Bierzo 120k of walking

I believe Villafranca del Bierzo is the most beautiful village yet!  We are staying in a Church converted into a hostel, and it’s over 1,000 years old. Having a family style meal with other pilgrims is still the highlight of our day.  This part of the Camino has been trying (hard as hell) because of the hills mountains.